Planning to Get a Mortgage in 2017? 4 Reasons Why It’s Time to Start Paying Down Other Debts Now

Buying a home is an ideal investment for many people because not only is it a place that belongs to them, it can also be very beneficial financially. While you may be strongly considering buying a home for these reasons, it’s also important to be in good financial health so that your ideal home purchase is within reach. If you’re currently perusing the market for prospects, here are some reasons you should pay down debt before taking the leap into home ownership.

Good Credit History

The amount of your debt load and whether or not you’re paying off your minimum monthly payments has a considerable impact on your mortgage approval, so ensuring that you have good credit history going into the process is important. If you’ve had hiccups with your credit, make sure you go through your credit report prior to submitting your application to determine where you’re at.

Lowering Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Whether or not you’ve heard the term, your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) has a significant impact on how much house you can afford. Made up of the amount of your monthly debt payment and current house payment, your DTI should be below a certain percentage as this will enable you to afford a higher home payment each month.

Shifting Interest Rates

Getting a mortgage is one thing, but interest rates add more to the monthly amount you’ll owe. A fixed-rate mortgage can seem like a good idea, but if interest rates are low you may end up paying more than you would on a variable rate, which can be hard to predict. As interest rates are a part of home ownership, having lower debt will enable you to deal with these additional costs.

Finding The Right Home

Putting your money into a home can be one of the best purchases you’ll make, but if you’re unable to afford the home you love, it can be a disappointing fact to face. While there are no assurances that paying down debt will enable you to afford your dream home, it can go a long way towards giving you more options that will fit your budget.

Buying a home can be a money saver in the long run, but if you’re struggling to keep up with your debt payments buying into the market can be more of a burden than anything else. If you’re currently paying down debt and considering a home purchase, give me a call and let me help start the planning process – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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27187 W Mohawk Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

Open House

$624,900

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,452 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773872

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A STUNNING VERANDA Model offering an abundance of upgrades on an oversized 9,656 sq ft Walled PRIVATE lot!! This Artistically Appointed 2,452 sq ft home has a split 3-Bdrm Floorplan, 2.5 Bath, Den and Large Gathering Room! Designer Features include a Gourmet Kitchen w/ Upgraded Staggered Cabinets, Gleaming 'Indian Parana' Granite, Custom Backsplash, Center Island, Eating Bar, and newer S/S Appliances! Upgraded Kohler Light fixtures, Custom Paint and Window Coverings grace the home. Gathering Room includes Entertainment Center with Samsung 65'' TV. French Doors from guest bdrm to the patio! The 3-Car Garage includes custom built-in Cabinets & Work Bench. 2010 EZ-GO GOLF CART IS INCLUDED! Newer 5-Ton A/C and PAID SOLAR! Enjoy entertaining in this IMPRESSIVE PRIVATE Backyard with Pergola Covered Extended Patio, BUILT-IN Heaters, Magnificent Water Feature and ELEVATED Seating Area with Natural Gas Firepit! Too amenities to list!! If interior custom paint colors are not acceptable, the seller will consider repainting at the buyer's request. This floorplan is no longer offered. If you are looking for something EXCEPTIONAL, this is the home for you!

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13600 N Fountain Hills Boulevard Unit 903 Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Open House

$624,900

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,196 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699821

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home nestled in the gated community of La Strada, offering not just a residence, but a lifestyle. This meticulously crafted abode boasts 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms spread across a spacious 2196 square feet. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by breathtaking mountain views that serve as the backdrop to your everyday life. The home exudes elegance and modernity with remodeled bathrooms and kitchen featuring updated cabinets, luxurious Quartz countertops and no-fingerprint stainless steel appliances that elevate your culinary experience. The 2-car epoxy floor garage not only provides ample space for your vehicles but also offers convenient storage solutions. Inside, the living space is adorned with updated flooring and an inviting electric fireplace, perfect for cozy... evenings with loved ones. The primary suite is a sanctuary unto itself, boasting a huge rain glass shower and no-slip oversized tile, along with meticulous organized closets featuring built-in storage solutions. For the connoisseur, a built-in wine refrigerator awaits, while the custom coffee bar ensures your mornings are off to a delightful start. The kitchen features a sleek graphite sink, adding a touch of sophistication to your culinary endeavors. Entertaining is a breeze with a powder room showcasing a custom driftwood countertop and vessel sink. Additionally, the she-shed offers versatile space that can be transformed into an office, fitness area, or craft space, catering to our every need. Beyond the confines of your home, the gated community of La Strada offers resort-style amenities, including a pool. Centrally located, you're just a short walk or drive away from shopping, restaurants, and the famous fountain, allowing you to indulge in the vibrant lifestyle this community has to offer.

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41216 N Prestancia Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

Open House

$624,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,082 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764616

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fall in love with this wonderfully upgraded and updated Telluride model in Anthem Country Club. Wonderful floor plan with multiple entertaining spaces. Enter the home from the front courtyard to a cozy living room and formal dining room. Kitchen has it all with tons of cabinets, beautiful granite counter tops and awesome island/breakfast bar. Main bath has been remodeled and is a must see and the secondary bath has granite counters and dual sinks. The family room off the kitchen and is where everyone hangs out and you can exit to the wonderfully landscaped backyard with built in BBQ and beautiful golf, mountain and sunset views awaiting you!! This home is the perfect size for full time living or locks and leave for the summer. Cozy up to the outdoor fireplace on an elevated patio to watch the magical AZ Sunset! WELCOME HOME! Anthem Country Club is home to two 18 hole championship golf courses with two restaurants, 2 work out rooms, 2 pools, tennis, pickle ball, bocce ball and lots of fun people!

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4690 Sidekick Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$624,500

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748703

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in picturesque Wickenburg Ranch, on a corner lot, this exquisite home offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and serene desert living, with an open floor plan; featuring 2 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 well-appointed bathrooms, with sizeable den/office space. The upgraded kitchen has a large island with ample seating, state-of-the-art appliances, and extended counter space and cabinets. Custom shutters adorn the windows providing both privacy and an elegant touch to the home's interior. Indoor outdoor stereo speakers. A fully fenced yard where the backyard is perfect for both relaxation and entertaining with beautiful desert landscaping and a sparkling pool to create a tranquil retreat. This home is a true gem in Wickenburg Ranch, offering a lifestyle of comfort & convenience.

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15221 N Clubgate Drive Unit 1023 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$624,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,401 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768194

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Open and bright floor plan with spacious great room with wood look flooring and freshly painted. Perfect for entertaining home with eat in kitchen overlooking the great room and easy access to the patio area surrounded by lovely landscaping. The Master Suite is spacious with a walk in closet. Oversized 2 car garage. The community pool, spa and exercise facility exudes a resort feeling to relax and enjoy. Walking distance to the Westin Resort and golf course, the high end shops and restaurants of Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter. Living the life of Kierland, urban lifestyle and conveniences with a resort atmosphere.

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2113 E Kempton Road Chandler, AZ 85225

$624,500

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,279 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772214

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Motivated Sellers! Right between Downtown Chandler and Gilbert, easy access to freeway, across the street from brand new state-of-the-art park for the kids! Perfect starter home, 2nd home, or investment! Single level, split floor-plan, with expansive open lay out! Low landscape backyard with large covered patio, enough grass for the kids and dogs, diving pool with new variable speed pump, and mature landscaping with orange tree make this the ideal backyard for all buyers! Brand new AC unit!

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1467 County Rd 3140 -- Vernon, AZ 85940

$624,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750877

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

LOCATION, LOCATION, A Hunters Dream. gorgeous 5 acres border national forest with lots of ponderosa pines. QUIET area and great VIEWS from 2nd story, Kitchen for a chef- large cabinets (lights top & bottom), double ovens, freezer, and large pantry with electric outlets, Handicap accessible-doors & hallway. Enjoy the fresh air with Double hung windows. Grow your own vegetables in the greenhouse and use the chicken pen for your eggs. Also enjoy 7 apple trees, blackberries, rhubarb and so much more. Two car garage (fits 2 large trucks) or for your toys. No HOA. 20 degrees cooler than Phx. Act fast before this gem is gone. Want another 5 ac next to this? see MLS #6756610.

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146 E Riviera Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$624,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,638 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6748461

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*Seller willing to offer concessions towards rate buy down or closing costs* Experience the refreshing vibes of Tempe in this gorgeous completely remodeled, move-in ready basement home! All new flooring and baseboards, new 5-ton HVAC, new roof, new white shaker kitchen cabinets with ample storage & under cab lighting, new quartz counters and backsplash, stainless gas range & hood, farmhouse sink w/touchless faucet, all updated lighting and fans throughout. Nest thermostat, all new interior/exterior paint, massive finished basement w/Galaxy Concrete coating. Bathrooms are remodeled w/modern tile, walk-in rain shower upstairs, new tub, new fixtures, new toilets and sinks! Step outside through the new French doors to an oversized backyard & sparkling blue pool w/ new variable speed pump. All new rock and turf too! Come experience this corner lot north/south facing next to the Tempe bike corridor and just 2 mi to the light rail. The neighborhood utilizes the Tempe Orbit shuttle that goes straight to ASU or the light rail! This home is walkable to nearby restaurants and breweries with immediate freeway access. Central location near water activities on Tempe Town Lake and Papago Mountain Bike Trails. This city intertwines laid-back vibes with an active lifestyle in a place where everyone is welcome and community is at the core!

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30317 W Roosevelt Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$624,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,659 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730388

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home to this 3 bedroom, 2 baths, horse property nestled on an over 1-acre lot! Inside, you will be welcomed by the striking vaulted ceilings, tile flooring, Y neutral palette. The spacious great room enjoys plenty of windows & backyard access for a bright and airy entertaining experience. The eat-in kitchen features plenty of wood cabinets w/crown mouldings, SS appliances, granite counters, & a peninsula w/breakfast bar. Have a great night's sleep in the main bedroom boasting soft carpet & an ensuite w/dual sinks & a walk-in closet. The sizable backyard provides a relaxing covered patio storage shed, above-ground spa, corral & stalls for horses. Lighted riding arena with an RV plug. Do not miss this vast lot, perfect for all your projects or RV parking. Don't wait til its too late

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170 W Midway Street Payson, AZ 85541

$624,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6718786

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A little over an acre with great panoramic views of the Rim. Wonderful house with plenty of storage space. Very cozy front room with vaulted ceilings and a great fireplace. Kitchen with walk-in pantry. Large rooms with plenty of storage. Spiral staircase off the front room leads to a loft space above.

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3135 W Molly Lane Phoenix, AZ 85083

$624,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,985 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741058

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Priced below others in the area for quick sale, this highly upgraded home has a play pool, heated spa, built in bar in the living room with a wine chiller and a liquor cabinet for entertaining, formal dining convenient to the kitchen, easy to maintain, like new real wood floors throughout, and granite kitchen and bathroom counters. The Large Master bedroom is upstairs with a huge walk-in closet a master bath with a separate shower, jetted tub and a bidet. A spacious loft which could be converted into a bedroom. An office, half bath, with upgraded vanities and all living areas are down stairs. all bedrooms are upstairs. Has two AC units for lower utilities. Window shades, BBQ Island with Fridge and Fire pit Come and see. You will love it.

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6718 N 59th Drive Glendale, AZ 85301

$624,000

6 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,624 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748306

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Motivated Seller!! NEW Built, NO HOA. Main house has 4 bedrooms with 2.5 baths and a guest house with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. The delightful kitchen includes refrigerator, dishwasher, range, a central island with a breakfast bar for casual dining, and granite countertops that extend to bathrooms. Highly desired Glendale area close to restaurants, shops and State Farm Stadium. Additionally it has an RV gate in the front AND the back next to the guest house.

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